Times have changed. Maybe because of dwindling contributions from people on the streets in time of crisis, a charity organization has devised a creative way to ask for weekend Flag Day donations from locals. Especially those who say they don’t have loose change and willing to donate only if Octopus card readers are available.

This is not the first time collections will be done via Octopus cards. This approach was initiated three years ago. I wonder why this method didn’t get widespread adoption, considering that those who used Octopus cards for Flag Day collection in the past generated double what traditional coin bags receive.

The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation will be using 20 of the portable devices, borrowed from Octopus, which provides Hong Kong the contact-less debit card system. This device will now be mobile as it will be operated by battery. Previous ones require to be plugged into an electricity source. To those who wonder how much will be deducted on every swipe, HK$10 will automatically change hands on every Octopus card beep. I wish it would be be more flexible so donors of HK$5 or HK$50 will be able to give what they desire to give.

I won’t be surprised if many more charities will use this method. Octopus should also be more generous. In 2005, there are 12.4 million Octopus cards in circulation, that’s HK$620 million in the hands of Octopus cards through the HK$50 deposit by the time we locals or our visitors want to use Octopus cards.

Photo credit: totoro nn